Ask your cooperating teacher about their class policies. How do they introduce their policies and enforce them throughout the year? Obtain a copy of any handouts about policies or safety from the first week of class.
Observations:
Today, at Lincoln Middle School, I finally met one of my cooperating teachers, Mrs. McGarry. After introducing myself I decided to ask questions about the school and about her classroom to learn more. I asked my CT what her classroom policies were. She handed me a Student Handbook, "It's all in here", she replied. I took time and went through the handbook. The contents included a calendar of events, a schedule, general information, attendence policies, academics, student services,and behavior expectations, just to name a few. She told me that they all follow the same rules in the school so students do not get confused. She said she has added a few simple rules in her classroom such as no restroom breaks during a quiz. Everything is explained in this handbook. Progress report dates, report card dates, open house, parent conferences, and NECAP test dates are all included as well. The first week of school parents/guardians must read and fill out a form that says that they are aware and understand the rules and procedures of the school. The section about classroom conduct is detailed stating students must arrive on time to class, be prepared, respect others, be honest, and work to the best of their ability. Discipline is divided into progressive steps: informal talk, conference, teacher detention, office detention, loss of prviledge, in school detention, out of school suspension, and expulsion. Minor and major offenses are also detialed in the discipline section of the handbook followed by the consequence so expectations are clear. A bullying policy was included in the handbook along with a definition and disciplinary sanctions. As far as lab safety, Mrs. McGarry said she explains to the students as they go because it is sixth grade and the things they do are not dangerous. Reflections: I enjoyed my first day at LMS, Mrs. McGarry was so inviting and helpful. She made me comfortable in her class and was willing to answer questions I had. I absolutely love how organized she is, everything was labeled and had its own crate or folder.
She gave me a handbook and I can not believe how informative it is, it is like a survival guide for middle school.
I loved the fact that everything is "set in stone" the first week of class and parents and students know the routines. Another thing I liked was that each period the students write their assignnments in the schedule and take it home so that their parents can see what homework they have or what they will need for the class in the future. In my teaching rationale I mentioned communication as being one of my key focuses as a teacher, so far the "Student Handbook" looks like a great support.
Class Topic: Class Policies Grade: 6 Observed by: Talia Delmonico
Observation/Reflection #1: Class Policies
Ask your cooperating teacher about their class policies. How do they introduce their policies and enforce them throughout the year? Obtain a copy of any handouts about policies or safety from the first week of class.Observations:
Today, at Lincoln Middle School, I finally met one of my cooperating teachers, Mrs. McGarry. After introducing myself I decided to ask questions about the school and about her classroom to learn more. I asked my CT what her classroom policies were. She handed me a Student Handbook, "It's all in here", she replied. I took time and went through the handbook. The contents included a calendar of events, a schedule, general information, attendence policies, academics, student services,and behavior expectations, just to name a few. She told me that they all follow the same rules in the school so students do not get confused. She said she has added a few simple rules in her classroom such as no restroom breaks during a quiz. Everything is explained in this handbook. Progress report dates, report card dates, open house, parent conferences, and NECAP test dates are all included as well. The first week of school parents/guardians must read and fill out a form that says that they are aware and understand the rules and procedures of the school. The section about classroom conduct is detailed stating students must arrive on time to class, be prepared, respect others, be honest, and work to the best of their ability. Discipline is divided into progressive steps: informal talk, conference, teacher detention, office detention, loss of prviledge, in school detention, out of school suspension, and expulsion. Minor and major offenses are also detialed in the discipline section of the handbook followed by the consequence so expectations are clear. A bullying policy was included in the handbook along with a definition and disciplinary sanctions. As far as lab safety, Mrs. McGarry said she explains to the students as they go because it is sixth grade and the things they do are not dangerous.Reflections:
I enjoyed my first day at LMS, Mrs. McGarry was so inviting and helpful. She made me comfortable in her class and was willing to answer questions I had. I absolutely love how organized she is, everything was labeled and had its own crate or folder.
She gave me a handbook and I can not believe how informative it is, it is like a survival guide for middle school.
I loved the fact that everything is "set in stone" the first week of class and parents and students know the routines. Another thing I liked was that each period the students write their assignnments in the schedule and take it home so that their parents can see what homework they have or what they will need for the class in the future. In my teaching rationale I mentioned communication as being one of my key focuses as a teacher, so far the "Student Handbook" looks like a great support.
Class Topic: Class Policies
Grade: 6
Observed by: Talia Delmonico